AFTER half a lifetime’s dedication to his sport, Gareth Evans from Holyhead has achieved his dream of being included in the British Weightlifting Team for the Olympics.

But despite the announcement on Monday, Evans, 26, one of the products of Holyhead Weightlifting Club, has ruled out celebrating, as a clear head is needed for training from now on.

Along with Natasha Perdue, Evans brings a Celtic feel to the British squad, with two out of the five lifters coming from Wales.

Former painter and decorator Evans, who has been based in Leeds as part of the weightlifting elite squad, says the sacrifice of leaving, family, friends and job to pursue his Olympic dream has been worth it.